Narsingh the wrestler lands GOLD on day 1

Narsingh Pancham Yadav did the unthinkable. Not only did he get India’s first gold at the Senior Asian Wrestling Championship, he did so by overcoming Iran’s Saeed Nematollah Riahi in the 74kg freestyle category.

Nobody doubted his credentials before the bout, but taking on one of Iran’s best in the title clash wasn’t exactly going to be a cakewalk. Indian chief coach Jagmender Singh had predicted the fight to be one of India’s toughest in the campaign, and that’s exactly how it turned out.

The Iranian’s quick reflexes and fluid footwork had Yadav struggling to have a say in the bout as Riahi took the first point after he had the Indian youngster pinned on the mat. But the crowd favourtie hit back immediately make it all square at the end of the first period. The second peiord got off to a similar start, with both wrestlers earning a point each, but Yadav clinched another in the winning moments to lead India to its first gold medal in the tournament.